‘Parenting expert’ says grandparents should ask their grandchildren for consent before hugging them

Parenting expert Jane Evans says that grandparents should receive verbal consent from their grandchildren before giving physical affection, such as hugging or kissing.

Evans made the remarks during Wednesday's broadcast of British daytime show "This Morning."

What are the details?

Evans, who appeared on the show to speak with hosts Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes, said that grandparents asking consent to show physical affection can only benefit young children, encouraging them to "take control of their own bodies from a young age."

Adding that it is of paramount importance for parents to teach their children healthy boundaries, Evans reasoned that the same guidelines that parents apply to strangers should also be applied to friends and family members.

"If I met you in a room, I wouldn't just grab you. I would ask first," she said. "And it should be the same with children."

Langsford responded, "But surely, grandparents would only hug their own grandchildren anyway?"

Evans insisted that all people — including family members — should adhere to such guidelines in an effort to crack down on abuse.

"This is a major crisis," Evans insisted, according to the Daily Mail. "It's about everyone — not just families — hence the MeToo movement. Most children are abused by somebody they know."

"It's more important with children as their brain development is rapid, and they need to be taught boundaries early on," she continued. "It's basic respect — not sexual."

"This Morning" also conducted a poll on the matter, which found that 89 percent of respondents disagreed with Evans' point of view.

What was the reaction on social media?

Evans' remarks received a lot of flak from social media users, as well.

One Twitter user wrote, "Jane Evans on #ThisMorning This Morning, its because of people like YOU that this country is in such a state ... moron and in my day verbalizing was known as talking."

Another added, "Jane Evans calls herself an expert. What makes her an expert, she's pathetic. Don't kiss or hug your grandparents etc. Piss off you sado woman. I will continue to hug kiss, tickle my grandkids etc & even my nieces & nephews no matter what age they are. Get a life."

"Jane Evans you are talking rubbish. We need to show children that affection and hugging are good things and natural. In a world of tech where physical interaction is being reduced this is nonsense," yet another user retorted.